ADDICTION ( Reducing addiction )

Question 1

define drug therapy

Answer 1

Drug therapy aims to reduce cravings , withdrawal symptoms , or pleasurable effects of the addictive behaviour

Question 2

Outline drug therapy for Nicotine addiction ( Nicotine replacement therapy ) and Bupropion

Answer 2

Nicotine Replacement Therapy ( NRT) works by delivering controlled doses of nicotine without harmful substances in tobacco. Reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings , helping smokers wean off nicotine gradually. Uses forms like patches , gum , nasal sprays.

Bupropion ( an antidepressant ) - used to reduce nicotine cravings . Thought to block dopamine reuptake , reducing the rewarding effects of smoking and easing withdrawal symptoms.

Question 3

Outline the use of drug therapy (opiod antagonists and anti-depressants )

Answer 3

Opiod antagonists eg. Naltrexone - blocks endorphins released during gambling , reducing the euphoria or “high” associated with the behaviour . It reduces the urge to gamble and decreases relapse rates in some individuals

Anti - depressants - SSRIs increase serotonin levels show significant improvements in their gambling behaviour . SSRIs reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety , reducing these symptoms associated with stressors lessens the urge to gamble

Question 4

EVALUATE DRUG THERAPY AS A METHOD TO REDUCE ADDICTION

Answer 4

STRENGTHS :

Evidence of effectiveness : Steadt et al Meta analysis found NRT significantly more effective than placebo in helping smokers quit.

Grant et al Naltrexone reduced gambling urges in pathological gamblers , especially those with strong urges or family history of alcoholism

Accessible and convenient : NRT is widely available , inexpensive , and easy to use , increasing treatment compliance. Drug therapy can be especially helpful for those unable or unwilling to engage in psychological therapy.

LIMITATIONS :

Does not address underlying causes : drug therapy targets biological symptoms but not psychological or social factors ( eg. stress , trauma, cognitive distortions) HIgh relapse rates after treatment cessation

Side effects : Bupropion - risk of insomnia , dry mouth , seizures
Naltrexone - potential for nausea , fatigue , liver. These may reduce adherence and increase dropout

Limited effectiveness : Drug therapy is more effective for substance addictions ( like nicotine ) than behavioural addictions like gambling , which may require CBT or self-help strategies.

Not all gamblers respond to naltrexone ; individual differences ( eg. impulsivity , genetics ) influence treatment success

Question 5

Outline behavioural interventions like aversion therapy and covert sensitisation

Answer 5

Aversion therapy - based classic conditioning , the addict is conditioned to associate the addictive behaviour with an unpleasant stimulus. The goal is to create a negative conditioned response to the addictive stimulus

Alcohol addiction : given a drug such as disulfiram , which induces nausea and vomiting if alcohol is consumed

In some studies , electric shocks or emetic drugs are paired with drug - or gambling -related cues ( eg. images or tastes)

Covert sensitisation - involves imagining engaging in the addictive behaviour then experiencing an extremely negative consequence ( eg. vomiting , public shame )

eg. a smoker imagines lighting a cigarrete and then vividly imagines vomiting uncontrollably

Question 6

Evaluate behavioural interventions as a way to reduce addiction

Answer 6

STRENGTHS :

Empirical support : McConaghy et al : Found covert sensitisation more effective than aversion therapy and with longer - lasting effects for gambling addiction . Shows that behavioural interventions can be effective , particularly when ethical and vivid.

Ethical : unlike aversion therapy , covert sensitisation avoids physical harm or distress , making it more acceptable to clients and therapists. Can be delivered in therapy without medical risk.

Can target specific addictive cues : Especially useful for cue-reactivity ( eg. gambling cues , drug paraphernalia)

LIMITATIONS :

Limited long-term effectiveness : Effects often fade over time , especially if the person returns to the environment where the addiction was reinforced. Does not address underlying causes of addiction ( eg. trauma , emotional triggers )

Lack of generalisability - Learning a negative association in a controlled setting ( eg. therapy room ) may not generalise to real-world contexts . The person might still relapse in high-risk environments